Clippers vs. Phoenix - Game Preview
by Steve Perrin on Oct 28, 2009 1:21 AM PDT
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Print| 2009/2010 NBA Regular Season | ||
|---|---|---|
 |
vs. |  |
| 0-1 | 0-0 |
|
| Staples Center |
||
| October 28th, 2009, 7:30 PM | ||
| FSN Prime Ticket, 980 AM |
||
| Probable starters: | ||
| Baron Davis | PG | Steve Nash |
| Eric Gordon | SG | Leandro Barbosa |
| Al Thornton | SF | Grant Hill |
| Marcus Camby | PF | Amare Stoudemire |
| Chris Kaman | C | Channing Frye |
The Back Story:
- First meeting of the season. Suns swept the season series last year.
The Big Picture:
The Clippers opened their season last night with a loss to the defending champion Lakers. That was to be expected. Tonight they're home against the team widely believed to be the 8th best team in the Western Conference. In other words, if the Clippers hope to be a playoff contender, despite the early season absence of Blake Griffin, this is the kind of game they need to win.
The Antagonist:
This is Phoenix' first game of the season, and it's hard to know what to expect from them. There's plenty of talent in the starting lineup, though Steve Nash and Grant Long Hill are among the older players in the entire league at this point. Amare Stoudemire is returning from an eye injury that caused him to miss the final two months of last season. Former Clipper coach Alvin Gentry starts his first full season as the head man in Phoenix, and they intend to revive the 'seven seconds or less' days. Last February, in Gentry's first two games after replacing Terry Porter, the Suns hung 140 and 142 points on the Clippers in back to back games. So they're probably looking forward to this one. Beyond the first unit and Leandro Barbosa, the Suns don't look like much. (And a hat tip to Citizen bonkrood who reminded me that Richardson is out of this game serving a suspension, so Barbosa will likely start and the bench gets even thinner.) Goran Dragic, Lou Amundson, Jared Dudley, Alando Tucker and rookie Earl Clark are among the non-household names that sit on Phoenix' bench.
The Subplots
- Home opener. When the Clippers first moved into Staples Center in the early part of the decade, they weren't a great team, but they tended to have a decent home court advantage. Last season, they tied for the worst home record in the NBA, losing 30 games in LA (32, if you count the Laker games). The first order of business in being a good team is being a good home team. With a home friendly schedule in November, the Clippers could build some momentum if they can enjoy the home cooking.
- Matchups. I'm sticking with the default probable starters in the preview, but MDsr could easily go a different direction in this game. As we know, he sometimes likes to adjust his lineup to the opponent. The fact is, Amare is a tough cover for anyone on the team, but Camby is about as good a choice as any. Nonetheless, MDsr has been known to slide Al Thornton over to the four against the Suns, so don't be surprised if he plays Rasual Butler at small forward, and sticks Al on Amare.
- Baron Davis. Baron was 1 for 10 against the Lakers last night in 28 minutes on a sore foot. Will he be able to play back to back games? Will he be effective if he does? Going against his stepbrother, it would be nice to see Baron in top form, and try to punish Nash in the post some.
- Turnovers. The Clippers had a terrible time taking care of the ball in pre-season, and then turned it over 20 times against the Lakers. Playing at the Suns' frenetic pace, it could get ugly if LA gets caught up in the insanity. It's fine to play fast - we want them to play fast - but they have to be smart about it also.
- Kaman. I don't really see Channing Frye stopping Kaman in the post. I expect the Clippers to go to him early and often.
- Movie Quote:
I know that one day Veronica and I are gonna get married on top of a mountain, and there's going to be flutes playing and trombones and flowers and garlands of fresh herbs. And we will dance till the sun rises. And then our children will form a family band. And we will tour the countryside and you won't be invited.
Ron Burgundy, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy. You stay classy San Diego. - Get the Suns perspective at Bright Side of the Sun.
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Grant Long would be the oldest player in the league lol
I’m interested in seeing how the team will bounce back. Channing Frye is a player that could very well be in the running for MIP this year. Kaman has had his issues trying to guard Amare, and Frye likes to hang out on the perimeter. Kaman, Gordon and Smith all had pretty good games, with a couple other players having decent games. We need Butler to come alive and for Baron to hit at least 40%. If he can’t do that, then he needs to take less attempts. This is a game where our depth certainly helps us. It’s also a game where we should be able to run and penetrate easier without having to worry about lanky defenders like we did against the Lakers.
Also
Isn’t it crazy that Taylor could be the Griffin brother that played in a real game first?
by Lawler 4ever on Oct 28, 2009 3:27 AM PDT up reply actions
Supid back to back games
Grant Long. Sheesh. Where’d that come from?
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
by Steve Perrin on Oct 28, 2009 9:06 AM PDT up reply actions
“Channing Frye is a player that could very well be in the running for MIP this year.”
What does it mean to say that before his first game of the season? That he sucked so bad last year that there’s no possible way he’ll be any worse, or even as bad?
by benoit benjamin's two left shoes on Oct 28, 2009 2:17 PM PDT up reply actions
I had the same thought...
There’s something to it. Frye has been getting fewer and fewer minutes every year, his productivity per minute was also at it’s worst last year. So he’s got the first part of the MIP formula down – he wasn’t very good before.
The second part of the formula is opportunity. No one is going to win MIP if they don’t get off the bench. Frye will have every opportunity in Phoenix – especially early with Robin Lopez (aka Sideshow Bob) hurt.
The third part of the formula is, you now, actually not sucking. We’ll have to wait and see on that.
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
by Steve Perrin on Oct 28, 2009 3:09 PM PDT up reply actions
See yall
@ the game tonight! Cant wait to get my oversized Kia Blake Griffin shirt, last yr’s BD one still sits on my closet unused, it fits me like a dress, beyond the fact that its hideous lol
Phoenix Subtractions
Amare Stoudamire was an especially tough cover when he was playing center and the Suns had Marion at PF, who also wrecked havoc. Channing Frye can run the floor pretty well for a big man, and he’s a good player for Nash, but it’s not the same as the days when centers like Kaman and Rebraca had trouble getting minutes against the Suns. It’s also a bit disappointing that we don’t get to see Griffin against Stoudamire, but that’s the way it goes. Let’s see if Kaman-Camby can have a good game, and if DJordan can join in.
Richardson, Barbosa and Grant Hill are scary too—the latter day version of Grant Hill has played well against the Clips. Gordon should keep Richardson busy, but the rotations should be interesting when Barbosa comes in. Nice to be facing an opponent that isn’t the Lakers, and it would be nice for the Clips to make a good showing on their home floor, in their opener. The combination of the loss of Griffin, opening for the Laker coronation, and having the home opener a back-to-back after a loss is a pretty steep challenge.
I too though the Griffin / Amare matchup would have worked out well.
I think Griffin is stronger and just as athletic. It would have been a great sight to see BG dunk over Amare.
I was not happy when I saw the schedule. Back to back games against defending champs and a team that loves to run for 48 minutes is not the way to start a season off.
btw – Rumor here in PHX is that Barbosa may start tonight. Doesn’t really matter, just thought I’d throw it out there.
Clips have to pound the glass tonight and play a good halfcourt game. Make the Suns work on defense. They hate playing D and will quickly become disinterested if the game slows down.
Back to Back right out of the gate
how much juice in their legs will they have against a running Suns team?
Back to back
And four games in five nights, against WC teams that won 45+ last season. They need this one.
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
by Steve Perrin on Oct 28, 2009 11:43 AM PDT up reply actions
The good news on that front
is the Mav’s will also be playing a back to back after finishing up with a well rested Laker team on Friday night. The bad news is that the Mav’s don’t have to travel on their back to back, just like us but it kind of negates the home team advantage of playing a team on back to backs. I’ll have to check the schedule to see how many times the Lakers have a back to back where they are playing the team the Clippers played the night before.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
LAC should win this game
They simply have more talent.
Do not worry. (Matthew 6:27)
I would like to see
More Al Thornton. he made some good passes. He didnt have a great game, but we know he can. as long as he is efficient. and his three pointer looks a lot better this year. Honestly, Rasual Butler looked scared out there, and nervous. I didn’t like what I Saw. but…. i just want a win lol
+1
I agree, Butler was not that impressive and like I have been saying all along AT is the starter and he played Much better then Sool last night.
Sool had turnovers and could not hit a shot also I think he may not know how to pass. I guess when he was in New Orleans waiting on the corners for a Three there was no chance for him to pass.
Start Bassy instead of BD to match up with Nash.
Everything starts out New, Gets Old and Dies or is Destroyed.
Butler in the Hornets offense....
is a completely different player. He can catch in shoot in their offense, b/c CP3 would drive, penetrate the D and then kick the ball out. In the Clippers offense, he has to come off multiple screens, but I am sure their will be times when EJ and Butler are placed in the corners and they will both get open looks.
It is only game one :-)
Yeah agree as well.
Al had a great game last night besides his shooting. 6 offensive boards is amazing! 9 in total. 3 assists is also solid for him. Artest was a tough defender and Al never really got into a nice rythm with his turnaround jumper.
I hope to see more of his boards and assists tonight, with imporoved shooting of course.
Butler looked out of place and didn’t add anything to the offensive end. He held the ball longer than Thornton does. That being said, we know he’s better than what we saw. First game jitters?
Same with DJ. What was going on with him last night? He’s been a monster all preseason. What happened?
by dulciusEXasperis on Oct 28, 2009 1:39 PM PDT up reply actions
Defensive and offensive intensity turn up in regular season
That’s what happened.
guess so
Looked like a deer in headlights. That’s one hell of a setback compared to how he was playing prior.
by dulciusEXasperis on Oct 28, 2009 3:18 PM PDT up reply actions
Yea, he looked nervous
But I don’t think it will be an on-going problem. New team, 1st real game in a new big city, etc. What bothered me more was what seemed like BD’s loss of composure late in the 1st quarter. Forcing things, not catching in-bound passes, turning the ball over, etc. “A man’s gotta know his limitations.”
This should be fun...
This is the Clippers home opener, so I am expecting the players to be pumped. They know that last nights game was a tough one. This game will be fun and hopefully they can pull out a win.
Btw, am I the only one that feels EJ should be leading this team in shot attempts per game? This kid needs more touches and more shots!
Double edged sword
It’s not in his nature. Also, something we love about EJ is his efficiency. He has great efficiency stats, partly because he doesn’t take bad shots. So he defers, doesn’t force things, and that’s part of what makes him really good. Over time, he’ll get more assertive… and sadly, his efficiency will go do as his overall numbers go up.
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
by Steve Perrin on Oct 28, 2009 3:14 PM PDT up reply actions
Oh that's right...
My bad. I forgot that. From the DUI thing. OK, so put Barbosa in the starters. That’s a nice break for the Clippers. Thin bench just disappeared completely.
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
by Steve Perrin on Oct 28, 2009 3:11 PM PDT up reply actions
Firing on all cylinders
One of the things the Clips need to do, in their home opener, is to get more people involved and everybody going. This should be easier to accomplish against the Suns and in a home game than the test presented last night.
Kaman and Gordon played great. Kaman went away from his inside game against Bynum, but he can get some easy shots against Phoenix. Gordon was hampered by fouls. As tough as Barbosa can be, it’s not like matching up against Kobe. Have to be prepared for Kaman and Gordon not to shoot the ball quite so well, but those guys have already gotten started.
Same goes for Craig Smith, and a qualified nod to Marcus Camby. It looks like Smith is happy to feast on the Laker bench, and we’ll see how he does in his increased role, getting a healthy dose of Blake Griffin’s allotted minutes, against a new opponent. Camby’s minutes were restricted by fouls in the first half, and we’ll see if he gets some 4th quarter minutes tonight. He looked good, with no visible effects from the turned ankle. Telfair was also in good form, doing his job well.
But Butler can play much better. Part of it is just sticking to clear roles. Until I’m convinced otherwise, I’m going to think that playing Thornton at PF is a horrible idea and nobody benefits from it. I’ll be quite happy if I never see the Thornton-Butler-RDavis lineup again, and I don’t need to see Thornton-Butler-Gordon either. Let Butler play SF or backup SG, give Thornton his SF minutes, keep it simple, and Butler will do a good job. Again, the Suns seem like a good team for him to get untracked against.
BD made nice passes and gave a good effort, but he should look at Telfair’s game last night as he comes back from his 1-10 outing. Telfair missed a ton of outside shots as he came back at the end of preseason, and he came back when it counted by making sure he was open, by staying well within range, and being selective. When he hit one, he took another. BD seems to approach it with the idea that his shot COULD go in, so might as well take it, and he has to improve his chances. After missing badly from deep, he has to turn it down and try to get something better, and find a way to get going. BDavis is the one who is a tricky equation, and I’m not sure that Dunleavy wasn’t so grouchy on Tuesday not just because of the bad news on Griffin, but also because BDavis couldn’t practice and was starting the season banged up. BDavis must have been really disappointed, and his game was appropriately funky. The Suns are the type of team that can cure that malaise, and BDavis should bring some of his new energy and enthusiasm to show the home crowd. Still, he’s got to be careful not to try to get too much too fast, especially if he’s tweaked and after coming off last night’s game. He needs to stay within himself, and do the basics. Continuing the good work he did last night in getting other guys going and cutting down on tossing it up will be the necessary steps towards getting started himself.
I can’t say that Thornton is going yet, although he played well against a tough opponent. But his offense and shot were poor, and could be played as an argument against him as a starter. He stopped the ball and created his own shot, and he missed it. The rebounds are a minor redemption, and they hint at abilities he showed in the preseason, a good toughness inside. In a looser home game, not going up against Artest or playing PF, Thornton can make a much better contribution to the attack. So he needs to get going.
We should win this one...
My starting five for the tonight.
Sebastian Telfair
Erick Gordon
Rasual Butler
Craig Smith
Chris Kaman
This team can run with the suns and beat them at there own game.
Their bench is non existing I will be at the game tonight to get my
Griffin T-shirt. I scored $48.00 tickets in section 102
Baron Davis just called all season ticket holders. Is that the guy you want to hang your hat on for a marketing campaign? I’ve yet to hear Eric Gordon speak, for some reason I’m expecting one of those squeaky voices that throws you for a loop.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
EJ has a Tickets commercial on AM980 and it was from last season but they still play it. It's the Best.
Everything starts out New, Gets Old and Dies or is Destroyed.
AT v. Butler
They both played a bunch in game one and AT may have come out with the advantage, but he still only shot 4/11, as opposed to Butler’s 2/6.
Butler was 2/4 from 2pt., and I don’t think any of us mind him shooting two 3’s per game…usually at least one of them will fall, but didn’t happen last night. The turns were a problem, but keep in mind AT had some of the worst shots we took as a team…when he forces outside shots it kills our momentum, which can’t be emphasized enough. His low bball IQ was again on display, and that isn’t changing. His rebounding, 3 dimes, and that spot up 3 he hit salvaged the night for him. Hopefully he can continue on with it.
Let's get a win...
Hopefully, the Clips will have things tightened up tonight. They were sloppy last night, and I want to see this team compete this year. Last year, they were 2-13 out of the gate (if I remember correctly), and were never able to get things on track. As Steve points out, they need this one.
"If a Clippers fan is reading a newspaper in his living room and the ceiling falls on him, he'll just shrug and move to another room." -Bill Simmons
by WestsideBrandon on Oct 28, 2009 4:43 PM PDT reply actions
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